Product Demo - Chapter 1: Blended Learning Models

Synchronous and Asynchronous Discussions

Sample from the digital curriculum (Blended Learning Models)

The initial lesson was designed to give teachers a basic understanding of Blended Learning models. The chapters were organized in this manner for two reasons: (1) it ties in perfectly with the constructivist notion of how information and content should be presented - as it can be easily built upon and establish a baseline knowledge - and (2) it reflected the data from Cycle 1 where teachers addressed a lack of understanding in regards to Blended Learning models (even their own). The section combined a number of different content sources and also tied in a discussion piece to drive continued reflection.

Session: Blended Learning ModelsNew TeacherI think our students would be most successful with the Flex Model or with the Rotation Model. Both of these allow for teacher interactions and do not require too much work to be done at home since a lot of our students don't have internet access at home. I think we are best represented by the Flex Model. Both have teachers as an important aspect and also internet.

New TeacherI believe that the flex model is the ideal model for the blended model at our school. However, I don’t feel that this model is ideal given the circumstances of our school as they are. I believe that the flex model has the greatest potential to deliver the highest quality instruction to our students, but our building and culture do not permit this model to reach it’s potential.

In my classroom, the flex model is the most prevalent. I have the students watch tutorial videos as their primary instruction and then I patrol and facilitate the room as necessary. The work is mostly done on the computers and delivered/submitted via the internet.

Master Teacher The model I think is most successful would be the flex model where students can work at their on pace to meet the individual needs of the learner. Currently, I do the flex model in my classroom; however, I cannot do small groups as much as I use to because the classrooms are so crowded with 30+ students.Mentor Teacher I think the model that would work best for our school is the flex model. What I believe effects successfulness at VOISE is the space. The school still looks and feels like a traditional school. Because of this, I don't believe the flex model is able to be implemented as it should be per the definition. What I like about flex is the "flexibility" (ha,ha!). I think it's important to have the teacher in the classroom in order to facilitate conversations with the students if necessary.

The model that best represents my classroom is the flex model. I use this term loosely because there aren't stations in my class room and the majority of instruction is whole group or individual.

Product Demo - FLIPPD Activity: Wait, Where Do I Stand?

The follow up to the first section was designed to be more interactive. Keeping with the theoretical research on Constructivism, the "Module" was to follow the chapter on Blended Learning models. With teachers having a base understanding of Blended Learning and how it can be applied in different forms, the goal was to have them apply that knowledge to a more specific teaching strategy. An activity was designed that had teachers take an active role in acquiring practical knowledge - some acting as students behaving in a certain way while others played the role of the teacher attempting to carry out a lesson. The goal was to be able to find the balance between instructional goals and classroom management (keeping students from accessing non-course related materials). The module provided articles as sources of specific content, video demonstrations, and video and text-based instructions.

Session: FLIPPD Activity - Wait, Where Do I Stand?

New Teacher:From this I learned to make sure to always be moving and monitoring. If students don't know where you are heading to the room next, they don't feel like they can sneak over to a non school site. Jackie does a nice job of making sure her students are doing what they're supposed to be doing.

Mentor Teacher:I learned about my teaching style that I do a decent job of walking around the classroom, but could try and do more one on one instruction while the rest of the class is working. I gravitate toward teaching from the front of the class, but am trying to work on that.

One thing that's difficult is figuring out how much is enough when letting students go off task. Ultimately, doesn't the gamer have to decide to control his/her learning? Is it reasonable to believe that you should have to stand next to one student for the majority of the class each day to prevent the gaming?

We also talked about students who finish the work before class even starts. Often, when we post on Edmodo, students will complete the assignment before they get to class. Then they sit there with "nothing to do." Most do this, not to get ahead, in order to relax during class.

Expert Teacher:To be more effective, I can make sure I have different levels of assignments available and options for students to choose from to make sure my instructional style is active and student-centered.

One type of student we left out was the one who works ahead of the class before arriving to class... Also the student with his head down during the instruction time, who later jumps online when you are engaged with other students. This ninja type behavior is common when students really doesn't understand the assignment and doesn't self-advocate.

New Teacher:We have a diverse group of learners and behaviors that can sometimes make it difficult to meet all the needs of my students. I think your descriptions of the types of student is accurate. Since I teach special education, some of the off task behavior can be even more magnified. I definitely have a lot of gamers and social media students.

I need to let the students lead the lesson that I prepare and to realize that this will help with out leaving anyone behind and also for those that need and can work ahead to keep them engaged in the excitement of learning.

New Teacher:I learned that my teaching style isn't as varied as it should be in the ideal blended classroom. I need to try and branch out into different ways to deliver the instructions so that it can engage a higher percentage of students at a time. Delivering instruction in only one medium is proving insufficient for the modern classroom.

I think that having options available to the students as to how they can get the instructional information is the biggest step I need to take as an educator. As of now, I deliver instruction in the front of the room, through documents posted online, and through instructional screencast videos, but I feel that if I could somehow combine these mediums into one immersive instructional experience, that would be the most engaging lesson possible.